If you’ve been following DJ Khaled since before his Snapchat days, you know that he’s been deeply immersed in reggae and dancehall culture for years. If you’ve been paying attention since the days when he used to compete in sound clashes like Fully Loaded, you know Sizzla is one of his favorite artists. When Boomshots paid a visit to his studio not long ago, he proudly played his collection of Sizzla dub plates. If you’ve been following his Snapchat lately, you know he’s been in the studio with Sizzla working on a song called “I’m So Grateful,” which apparently moved him to tears while he was working on it, and which happens to be the opening track of his highly anticipated album Grateful, which drops tomorrow. Earlier this evening Khaled posted five consecutive Instagram video clips, revealing the music video for that song. Big up Khaled for representing a true hardcore dancehall artist like Sizzla. Video After The Jump…Read more »

New York dancehall producer Jon FX established his name with hard-hitting remixes like the classic “Gun Session / Survivor” mashup featuring Kartel, Akon, Sizzla and Shabba Ranks. His latest release—Sizzla’s “I’m Yours,” which Boomshots proudly premieres today—proves that he’s also a first-rate producer capable of presenting hardcore Jamaican talents like Kalonji with an international-radio-ready sound. Wouldn’t mind seeing this squeeze into “Tropical House” radio rotation. Audio After The Jump…Read more »

Outside the weather was watery, but pure fire blazed inside B.B. King Blues Club & Grill as Sizzla Kalonji took the stage of the storied Times Square centralized venue for the very first time early morning on October 22. In contrast to his previous New York City performance at Irie Jam’s 23rd Anniversary, his first in the area after an eight-year absence, Sizzla was without a live band and relied upon a selector to run the riddims. Unlike the open air of Irie Jam’s Roy Wilkins Park where the vibrations carried into the universe beyond, the confined vibes of the closer, more intimate space of B.B. King allowed the mystic to reverberate and pulsate to and fro, rebound off the walls and permeate the souls of the assembled. With Sizzla’s energy capable of reaching every individual in an unchained environment such as Roy Wilkin’s Park, to be exposed to his intensity amidst such intimacy was a powerful and sometimes overwhelming experience. Continues After The Jump…Read more »

On Sunday, September 4, boom chunes reverberated from early afternoon across the pristine greens of Queens’ Roy Wilkins Park. It was Irie Jam Radio’s 23rd Anniversary and heavyweights were out in full force to celebrate. Though fallout from a tropical storm was supposed to drown out the festivities, Bobby Clarke and the Irie Jam family kept on “Holding Firm” and in the end the only thunder and lightning came from the line-up of roots rock reggae entertainers. The jewel in the crown of these royal revelries was the return of Sizzla Kalonji to the New York City stage. After enduring over eight years of the artist’s absence, being reunited never felt so good. Photos After The Jump…Read more »

Performing since the age of seven, Jahmiel catapulted his career to stardom with hard work and perseverance. Now he expresses the challenges along the way in his new song, entitled “Years To Come.” In this song, the artist born Jamiel Foster discusses the unwarranted truth of people who didn’t want to see him overcome the hurdles in his path. Relying on his spiritual faith and talent in order to prosper, the crafty lyricist cites Psalm 118 in the Bible. More After The Jump…

It’s been 8 years since Sizzla Kalonji has touched down in NYC, so history was made yesterday he officially announced his big return to New York for Irie Jamboree this Labor Day weekend Sept 4, 2016. Passing through town on the way home from what he calls an “awesome” performance at Reggae on the River, Sizzla Kalonji stopped by Irie Jam Media HQ to connect with his Tristate fans and let them know that he really is back in U.S. once again after years of visa issues. Before going on the air with Jabba and Dubbmaster Chris, Sizzla sat down with Robert Cooper, doing his first interview for Boomshots TV. They spoke about Sizzla’s plans for touring and recording while in the U.S., and took time out to discuss Kalonji’s thoughts on the Black Lives Matter movement. Video After The Jump…Read more »

Asking the musical question “What to make of this world,” Meleku, the son of Sizzla Kalonji, steps forward on his own quest for wisdom, knowledge and overstanding. Continuing a multi-generational collaboration, Meleku has linked up with Kareem “Remus” Burrell, son of legendary producer Philip “Fatis” Burrell, the man who first championed a young Sizzla (born Miguel Collins) on the mighty Xterminator label. Just as Remus keeps carrying his father’s works forward with his new XTM Nation imprint, likewise Meleku is keeping his father’s lyrical fire blazing. Audio & Video After The Jump…Read more »

Over the past half century or so Jamaican music has evolved through so many different styles and sounds that it can sometimes be hard to discern the various strands of musical DNA. From mento and calypso to jazz and bluebeat on through ska, rocksteady, reggae and dancehall, the musical morphology continues to this day. Boomshots’ Riddim Up series digs deep into certain outstanding riddims, seeking to identify the unique qualities that make them certified Boomshots. We kick off today with “Different Eyes,” a new juggling from Pure Music Productions, distributed by the mighty 21st Hapilos Digital, which hit iTunes today. The understated, slow-burning instrumental is a prime example of the sonic changes within modern dancehall. Because none of the usual hallmarks of vintage reggae or dancehall are present—from the drum pattern to the familar “skank” guitar or piano—we have to hear the Different Eyes with different ears. Even the bassline is subtle, overpowered by a mournful, hypnotic guitar figure and a few gentle rimshots. The minimalist riddim sets a mood that inspires all the vocalists to hold a similar vibe. Each tune on the riddim complements the ones that come before and after it, and the whole becomes one unified statement that’s greater than the sum of its parts. Audio & Track-By-Track Review After The Jump…Read more »

“Drake from Canada—Beenie Man from Jamaica—dah one yah a murda! Zagga.” When Drake’s album Views dropped at the end of April, Popcaan fans were surprised to hear a new voice on “Controlla”—a vintage Beenie Man sample appeared where Popcaan’s lyrics used to be. With Drake’s album topping the charts and breaking sales records this was obviously a big deal, and it set off all sorts of debates about why the 6 God made that move—and whether he truly respected reggae and dancehall or was just tapping into the flavor of the moment. But Beenie Man is not bothered. Having collabed with the likes of Wyclef and Janet Jackson the Grammy-winning DJ who dropped the single “King of the Dancehall” back in 2004 is taking the whole situation in stride and focusing on his new album Unstoppable, which features collabs with Sean Paul and Busta Rhymes among others. We caught up with Beenie near the end of his European tour to talk about Drake, Popcaan and his thoughts about Vybz Kartel’s new album title. (In case you missed the memo, Kartel’s dropping an album tomorrow provocatively titled King of the Dancehall.) “The name of an album and the name of a person different,” said Bounty Killer during a recent appearance On Stage. “But me know say it provoking still. Him provoke Beenie fe true, just like when Beenie Man say him ah de king, him did provoke Yellow Man. And tell you what: is not one king. You have the king of all kings, but there are several kings. Kings come down different generations. So I guess Kartel is trying to say that him ah the king of this generation.” Pressed on the point Killer admitted that his former protege Kartel (who he’s definitely had some issues with over the years) is now ruling the dancehal. “He is the king of this generation, you can’t deny that. Weh you ah go do, fight it? For the last ten years, ah him. Me can’t say nuttin’—him ah de young king deh. If him wan’ piece of the king ting—him can hold on pon the young king. He’s not no prince anymore, after a decade. I’m not being biased. Him a young king, mon.” Let’s see what Beenie has to say about that. Interview After The Jump…Read more »

Ever since that epic Ghetto Splash a few Christmases back when Sizzla Kalonji and the whole Judgment Yard joined the Unruly Boss and Aidonia on stage, the Kalonji x Unruly link has only gotten stronger. We loved that Not Nice production they did with Teflon, and now comes a banger from Yard Vybz Ent and Young Pow Production focusing on those badmind people who let their negative feeligns flow on the down-low. Between the disappointment of Views and that likkle situation in Antigua, Popcaan’s had a tough time the last few weeks. But if you know Hotskull you know he’s not letting anything drag down his vibes. Here at Boomshots we don’t run down bad news in reggae music because when it comes to our favorite artists we never wish them bad. Audio After The Jump…Read more »

Reggae artists have created many touching musical salutes appropriate for Mother’s Day rotation, but few have represented maternal love as consistently as Sizzla Kalonji. From “Black Woman and Child” to “Thank U Mama” the fiery singjay from August Town has contributed more than his fair share of Mother’s Day classics. Today he premieres a new song for mother. Is his latest also his greatest? Check it and let us know in the comments.Video After The Jump…Read more »

Kalonji’s Election Advice Applies All Year Round
Sizzla Kalonji delivers a cautionary message on Triple B Productions’ “Sing Some Song” Riddim. The tune was inspired by Jamaica’s recent election season, but one that holds true 24/7/365: wise up, rise up, and don’t make “dem” fool you AGAIN. Audio After The Jump…Read more »